Chapter 37

Carl is transported back to a massive Valtay landing vessel at the bottom of Earth's ocean, where security protocols have tightened following previous incidents. Zev informs him that Donut safely reached the guildhall after fighting Lucia Mar, and that Carl must participate in multiple CrawlCon events over the next six hours rather than immediately return to the dungeon. Carl's first event is judging a children's art contest.

Carl arrives at the space station in near-zero gravity, panicked about Donut and Samantha being alone with Lucia Mar below. An older gnoll security officer subjects him to a checkpoint, cryptically offering to overlook future thefts from production trailers if Carl looks favorably on someone named Lix. Carl is then transferred to a massive underwater production facility—a Valtay landing vessel stationed at the ocean floor near the dungeon headquarters. The vessel operates under stricter security due to previous escape attempts and incidents. Zev appears on a metal bench, initially startling Carl. She confirms Donut is safe in the guildhall after her fight with Lucia Mar, but explains that Carl must remain on the vessel for three scheduled events: an immediate event, a panel discussion in six hours, and an autograph session tomorrow. She cryptically warns that other crawlers may be waiting for him if he returns immediately, implying danger if he leaves now. Carl protests but ultimately complies. Zev instructs him to put on his CrawlCon badge and remove his bandana. Carl discovers his interface is partially blocked by the vessel's containment zone, though his gauntlet still functions. Zev reveals his first event is judging a children's art contest.